Columns

Immigrants who have come to America over the last two centuries refresh, enrich, and restore the promise of American liberty. The ‎many immigrants who have traversed the path to becoming American citizens – oftentimes through much hardship – have made this country great. Indeed, we are a nation of immigrants.

Perhaps, in the “Summer of Donald Trump,” people can be forgiven if they think presidential politics is the only thing happening now. But they would be mistaken.
This fall, Virginians will vote on all 140 seats in the General Assembly. The winners of the 40 seats in the Senate, and the 100 seats in the House, will make laws that affect us before the next president is sworn into office.

Donald Trump seems to have a penchant of putting his mouth in gear without engaging his brain. The most recent example occurred after Senator John McCain referred to Trump’s supporters as “crazies.” There has been some speculation that Senator McCain may have said this in an effort to bait Trump, knowing it would push him over the edge and get him to say something outrageous. However, Senator McCain, himself, has a reputation for making intemperate remarks when he’s irritated.

Five years ago, the President signed the Dodd-Frank Act into law, touting that it would stabilize our economy and hold accountable those responsible for the financial crisis of 2008. This law was sold to the American people as an end to “Too Big to Fail” and taxpayer-funded bailouts. Indeed, Dodd-Frank made noble promises.

In 1994, President Bill Clinton announced a deal with North Korea aimed at curbing their nuclear ambitions. North Korea was to freeze and dismantle their nuclear program, but they were caught cheating and the deal fell apart leaving a nuclear-capable North Korea in its wake.

I am rarely surprised when I disagree with John Barnhart’s weekly conservative commentary, but I am often amazed that a man so rooted in the community can be so oblivious to the pulse and workings of this town.
Last week’s column in which he blames the demise of downtown Bedford on big box stores and the apathy of local residents is a new level of cluelessness.

What does it say about the Republican Party when Donald Trump can spew xenophobic, racist bile on immigration and rise to the top of their polls?
Perhaps that question is better answered by asking some other questions. Does it show a party aware that it’s already unpopular with Hispanics, an important, growing demographic? No, it doesn’t.
Does it reflect a party that has an intelligent and reasonable policy for dealing with illegal immigration? No, it doesn’t.